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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2023-52879 Siemens CVE debrief

This CVE addresses a vulnerability in the Linux kernel's tracing subsystem where trace_event_file structures lacked proper reference counting. The fix introduces reference counters to prevent use-after-free conditions that could occur when trace event files are accessed concurrently with their removal or modification. The vulnerability was resolved by implementing proper reference counting mechanisms for trace_event_file objects.

Vendor
Siemens
Product
RUGGEDCOM RST2428P (6GK6242-6PA00)
CVSS
HIGH 7.8
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2025-08-12
Original CVE updated
2026-02-25
Advisory published
2025-08-12
Advisory updated
2026-02-25

Who should care

Organizations operating Siemens industrial network infrastructure including SCALANCE XC-300/XR-300/XC-400/XR-500WG/XR-500 family, SCALANCE XCM-/XRM-/XCH-/XRH-300 family, and RUGGEDCOM RST2428P switches running SINEC OS should prioritize firmware updates to address this kernel-level vulnerability.

Technical summary

The vulnerability exists in the Linux kernel's tracing infrastructure where trace_event_file structures could be accessed after being freed due to missing reference counting. The resolution implements proper reference counters to ensure safe concurrent access and prevent use-after-free conditions during trace event file operations.

Defensive priority

medium

Recommended defensive actions

  • Review Siemens ProductCERT SSA-613116 for specific product impact and patch availability
  • Verify SINEC OS and affected Siemens industrial network device firmware versions
  • Apply vendor-provided security updates for SCALANCE and RUGGEDCOM product families
  • Monitor CISA ICS advisories for additional guidance on industrial control system protections

Evidence notes

The source advisory (ICSA-25-226-15) indicates this CVE was included in a Siemens SINEC OS advisory covering multiple Linux kernel vulnerabilities. The threat category is marked as 'Misinformed' in the source data, suggesting potential confusion or misattribution in initial reporting. The advisory was republished on 2026-02-25 based on Siemens ProductCERT SSA-613116. The vulnerability description indicates a kernel-level fix was implemented.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2023-52879 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2023-52879

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2023-52879 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-52879

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

  • Source item URL

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cisagov/CSAF/develop/csaf_files/OT/white/2025/icsa-25-226-15.json

    cisa_csaf

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/csaf/ssa-613116.json

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/html/ssa-613116.html

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-25-226-15

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-alerts/ics-alert-10-301-01

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/ics-recommended-practices

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/topics/industrial-control-systems

    Reference

  • Source reference

    Unverified legacy reference

    URL: https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/recommended_practices/NCCIC_ICS-CERT_Defense_in_Depth_2016_S508C.pdf

    Reference

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.